Newcastle United could transform side by signing huge £49m Miguel Almiron upgrade

The future of wing duo Miguel Almiron and Yankuba Minteh could well play an integral role in Newcastle United’s summer transfer window.

They are two players at opposite ends of their time with the Magpies as Almiron prepares for what would be his sixth full season at St. James’ Park and Minteh is yet to make an appearance for Eddie Howe’s side after spending last season impressing out on loan at Dutch giants Feyenoord. Both players are believed to be under consideration for a move away from Tyneside as the Magpies hierarchy continue to battle with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations that have hampered their attempts to boost Howe’s ranks ahead of the new campaign.

Almiron, a Rafa Benitez signing, is said to have interest from several clubs in the Saudi Pro League and any move to the Gulf state would surely draw some criticism and suspicion from across the Premier League given United’s PIF-led ownership. There was a similar stance shown towards Allan Saint-Maximin’s move to Al-Ahli last summer - although some would suggest the reported £23m fee received by Newcastle not only met ‘fair market value’ but could be considered as some way short of the deal the Magpies could have secured for the mercurial winger.

The situation surrounding Minteh feels somewhat curious, as the Gambia international seemed set to be handed an opportunity to impress Howe in pre-season on the back of scoring 11 goals and providing six assists in 37 appearances for Feyenoord. However, there have been suggestions the 19-year-old could be sold to help Newcastle create some breathing space in their budget or could head out on loan for a further season before a firm decision is made over his long-term future.

It seems almost certain at least one of the two wingers will depart St. James’ Park over the coming weeks and Newcastle are said to be considering a number of players to come in and challenge in wide positions. The likes of Leeds United star Crysencio Summerville, West Ham United’ Jarrod Bowen and Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise are all said to be under consideration by the Magpies, as they look to provide further competition for Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy.

There have been links with Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams and his performances in Spain’s opening two games at Euro 2024 have only helped enhance the hype surrounding the 21-year-old after he impressed during a historic season at club level. With eight goals and an incredible 19 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions, Williams played a lead role in helping his side end the season in fifth place in La Liga and he also played the entire 120 minutes as Bilbao came through a penalty shoot-out to see off Real Mallorca and win the Copa del Rey for the first time in 40 years. Indeed, since breaking into the senior setup at Estadio San Mames, Williams is averaging a goal contribution (goal or assist) in every 2.65 games during his first 122 appearances for the Basque club.

His development was rewarded with a first call-up to the senior Spain squad in September 2022 and he has gone on to earn 15 caps over the last two years, appearing in both the World Cup Finals in Qatar and this summer’s European Championships in Germany. His stellar performance in Thursday night’s win against Italy received widespread praise and the sheer pace provided down the left-hand side played a key role in helping the Spanish seal their place in the competition's knockout stages. However, it also brought increased speculation over Williams future with Bilbao and coincided with reports of the presence of a £49m release clause in his current contract. Despite those reports and links with Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Newcastle, Athletic president Jon Uriate has claimed he is not concerned over what the future may hold for the in-demand winger.

He said: “We have impressive talent in the squad. When things are like this, it's normal that there are players who arouse interest, but we're not here to talk about rumours. Nico is happy in Bilbao and at Athletic and we're very happy with Nico. We don't worry about or pay attention to rumours. We're focused on creating an attractive project for all our players, fighting for titles and competing in Europe.

“The club has room for economic manoeuvre to sign players. We had to be able to ensure that the investment did not penalise the expenses. We had to balance the accounts and boost the income. That has been our way of acting. At the club we are always aware of what is on the market and identify opportunities."

Williams also offered little encouragement to any possible suitors after he insisted he was ‘very happy’ with the La Liga club in an interview given before he was named as part of Spain’s Euro 2024 squad.

He said: ”I am very happy at Athletic, it is the club that has given me everything, the one that has bet on me 100 per cent. I am very happy in Bilbao and that is all I have to say. Yes, I am quite clear, in the end, as I have told you, Athletic is my home. I am very happy, and what I want to do is focus on the Euros 100 per cent and for the rest I don't know what's going on."

Although Williams has featured predominately on the left-hand side for Bilbao and Spain, much like current Magpies stars Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, he is able to play on both wings and that will only enhance the attraction of his potential signing for Howe. It has to be said, United’s failure to secure a place in Europe will have hampered any attempts to land such a high-profile and in-demand player and Newcastle will be very much the underdogs in any race to secure his services. But there is no doubt Williams would represent an ideal signing and someone who would provide a significant upgrade on Almiron, should the Paraguay star’s time at St. James Park’ come to a close this summer.